Heir of Luna

~6~

After swiftly packing up my things Josiah takes my bags downstairs. I grab my jacket and go downstairs too.

Josiah leads me outside and once the front door is shut I create some distance between us. I storm toward his bike before stopping and rubbing a hand down my face.

“Cleo,” Josiah starts and takes my hand in his. “It’s okay, it is over now.”

I shake my head at him. “No. I need to go back in there. I - I can’t just leave my home.” What was I thinking? I cannot go and live at the packhouse. That would be too much of an inconvenience for the Alpha. Plus I would have to explain all this to Issy.

“No chance Cleo. Now get on the bike.” Josiah says with exasperation.

I start to pace as my mind whirs, I chew my finger anxiously.

I hear Josiah moving and realise he has placed my bags down. He steps into my path and holds my arms. “Look at me baby,” he says softly and my gaze snaps to his. Baby? “I promise everything will be fine.” He holds my stare and nods slowly.

I take a deep breath and slowly nod too. Josiah pulls me into an embrace. I stiffen at first but soon relax and bury my face in his neck. After a minute or so I start to move away and Josiah allows me too.

He starts tying my bags to the bike before climbing on. He offers me a helmet again and I climb on behind him.

-

Josiah puts my stuff in the room next to Issy’s. I tried to object as this is the Alpha floor but he would not listen. He insisted that his brother would be fine with it. It is not like he is ever here anyway.

“Knock, knock.” Issy calls from the doorway. She brings in a plate of cookies and drops onto my bed. She gestures to Josiah, “go away now brother.”

Josiah rolls his eyes at Issy but stands anyway. He leans over and kisses my forehead, “call me if you need anything”, before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

I take a cookie from the plate.

“So Josiah told me the basics,” Issy confesses whilst eating her own cookie. “How come you never told me?”

I sigh and look down at my lap. “I guess I was just embarrassed.”

Issy sits up a little straighter on the bed. “Well I say we have a slumber party tonight in my room.”

I nod with a genuine smile. I really do appreciate both Josiah and Issy.

-

The next morning I wake up on Issy’s bed, surrounded by popcorn. I look and see that we fell asleep with the popcorn bowl still between us. It must have spilled whilst we were asleep.

I notice Issy is not here though so I trudge back to my own room. I will help her clean up once I’m dressed and ready.

I pull out my denim jumpsuit and a studded belt before having a quick shower. Once dressed I then brush out my waves and add some hair mouse. Followed by some subtle makeup, no point covering my black eye now and my nose is too sore to mess with. Finally I add my black glitter converse.

I make my way back into Issy’s room to find the mess gone.

So I gather my school bag and head downstairs ready to go. I find everyone eating breakfast. I notice an empty chair but it is the Alpha’s. There is no way I am sitting there. Josiah notices my hesitation and grabs my hand to pull me toward him.

“Morning,” he chirps as he pulls me down to perch on his leg. “Try one of these croissants. They are amazing.” He passes me a plate and I take a pastry.

I lean back into Josiahs arm and watch everyone else around the table. Issy and her younger cousin are currently having a thumb war. Issy’s uncle and aunt are trying to feed the baby in a high chair.

My eyes snag on the Alpha chair again and for some reason my heart pumps faster. I shake my head and focus on Josiah.

“Are you heading to the school today?” I ask him casually.

He smiles at me, “I will be there after lunch. Although I hope to avoid any more cheerleaders.” His hand caresses the side of my leg.

We both laugh at his statement.

“I just need to meet with …” his words trail off as his senses turn to the door. He smiles wider, “with this idiot.”

“i***t huh?” The deep voice from the doorway makes my skin tingle as I turn to look.

Our eyes meet and it is like time stands still. His eyes darken as he looks me over.

“Josiah. Why is my mate perched on your lap?” The stranger announces loudly.